* tls@netbsd.org (Thor Lancelot Simon) [Thu 03 Mar 2005, 23:01 CET]:
Another thing for an ISP considering blocking VoIP is the fact that you're cutting off people's access to 911. That alone has got to have some tough legal ramifications. I can tell you that if my ISP started blocking my Vonage, my next cell phone call would be my attorney... Why? Do you have a binding legal agreement with your ISP that requires
On Wed, Mar 02, 2005 at 09:46:05AM -0600, Church, Chuck wrote: them to pass all traffic? Do you really think you can make a persuasive case that you have an implicit agreement to that effect?
Why, yes, an agreement for Internet access. The end-to-end principle is considered an integral part of the design (and power) of the Internet. Kindergarten ISPs exist but I do not buy from them. And the verbiage in the contract is that the ISP doesn't guarantee access but will do its best to provide and keep offering such.
The 911 issue is a tremendous red herring. In fact, it's more of a red halibut, or perhaps a red whale. Vonage fought tooth-and-nail
... and then you spend two entire pages derailing the debate towards emergency services. Thanks! Any provider intentionally causing deterioration of network performance towards a competitor's service offering is engaging in anticompetitive behaviour. This may be merely bad or legally suicidal. -- Niels. -- The idle mind is the devil's playground